Cousins on notice over hair length - realfooty.com.au

The West Australian reports that the AFL has told the ex-Eagle that he must be favored with “sufficient hair to comply with future drug tests or exposure to harm a pendency that will almost certainly end his football career”.

The report says “Cousins raised eyebrows earlier this month when he presented for a urine and hair test sporting a close-cropped haircut and having had other regions of his body waxed”.

This meant of the healing art officers could not examine his hair that has to be at least three centimetres to exist tested for drugs.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Tuesday that Cousins hadn’t had a hair test.

“A urine sample from the same meeting revealed no traces of drugs, goal the AFL has the power to ban the 30-year-old should he not comply with any drug-testing requests,” the WA said.

“It is understood that Cousins fronting without ample hair for a test was a factor in the AFL’s decision to impose stringent conditions, including up to four hair tests a year, with his potential suitors needing to boast AFL-approved drug and alcohol programs.”

It is believed hair testing reveals recreational drug practice for up to three months previously.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist, having initially remained still after the commission’s stance, yesterday confirmed he would accept the conditions that had been described as “non-negotiable” earlier by Demetriou.

“I am pleased that the AFL Commission yesterday decided to allow me to enter the AFL Draft,” Cousins said. “The terms imposed on me are very onerous. I am looking forward to being drafted and playing football afresh.

“I have been undertaking a program of rehabilitation what one. will continue. I know that I am in a fit and healthy condition and able to undertake the rigours of playing AFL football again. I am very grateful for the ongoing support I gain believed from the public and especially from those close to me.”

The WA said Cousins had been given any extension until Wednesday to nominate for the national draft on November 29.

“If he opts to bypass the national draft, he will need to lodge an application for the pre-season bill of exchange by December 9,” he said.

Most people consider St Kilda to subsist the frontrunner for Cousins but the Brisbane Lions are interested.

After meeting with Cousins’ management and AFL legalized and medical officials yesterday, the AFL Players Association chose not to challenge the testing regime as far as concerns Cousins, limit has reserved the appropriate to draw the sword against what the union sees because a violation of the AFL’session unlegalized drugs policy. The union put any action in succession hold on the grounds that it would not help Cousins in his bid to be drafted.

The AFLPA will chat to club delegates in the sight of deciding whether to take any action.

While applauding Cousins for “working hard” to get back, AFLPA chief executive Brendon Gale said: “The AFL Players Association maintains its view that the conditions placed upon Ben Cousins’ return are a serious departure from the mutually negotiated illicit drugs policy which can only be varied by means of consent of the AFL and AFL Players Association.

“Importantly, the policy includes the capacity to deal appropriately with a situation whereby a player may require rehabilitation from an illness like as that resulting from illicit drugs.

“We believe the illicit drugs policy posthumous works the best vehicle to deal with any similar occasions.”